Laughter is the best medicine...

Laughter is widely known for being the best medicine, so much so that laughter therapy has been used as a form of alternative medicine for years.

Laughter, kown for being the best medicine.

Many hospitals have incorporated laughter therapy in various ways. To help patients cope with stress and even recover from severe medical conditions. In his book entitled The Healing Power of Laughter , Dr. Lee Berk suggests laughter is like an internal jogging session for your immune system (2011, p66). For example, when you laugh, your brain releases endorphins which are natural painkillers; these hormones fight off any aches or pains you might be experiencing (2011, p72).

Benefits of Laughter.

So how does this benefit your health? Not only will laughing make you feel better but it can also lead to a healthier life. 

In a 2005 study conducted by the American Association for Therapeutic Humor. It was found that 20-30 minutes of laughter a day can burn up to 40 calories. With this in mind, it is clear how laughter is the best medicine. And also why hospitals have been incorporating more effective ways of helping patients laugh instead of simply exercising.

Laughter helps with chronic pain.

Laughter has been proven to help people with chronic pain such as arthritis. Dr. Berk suggests that when you laugh your muscles relax and tension leaves your body, therefore, improving pain levels (2011, p86). In another study conducted by Dr. Berk he acknowledges that laughing reduces stress hormones which play role in promoting inflammation, therefore, reducing pain (2011, p89). This is another example of how laughter heals.

Laughter reduces cortisol levels. 

Laughter also reduces cortisol levels, the hormone secreted by your adrenal gland which causes stress (2011, p87). Not only does it relax muscles and quiet the mind but it can even lower blood pressure. According to The Healing Power of Laughter. For those who do not know, high blood pressure has been linked to cardiovascular disease and stroke. Therefore watching a funny movie or hanging out with friends for a laugh will help. Help with reducing your risk of heart disease. It can also increase cardiac health too.

Lowering blood pressure.

In addition to helping with pain relief and lowering blood pressure. It has been found that laughter can greatly improve immunity levels. Since laughter reduces stress hormones which have proven to suppress immunity, it is clear how being healthy can lead to a healthier life.

Laughter has also been known to reduce depression and anxiety by elevating the mood. With all of these benefits in mind, laughter really is the best medicine anyone could ask for.

How does laughter affect the brain?

Laughter has also been known to reduce depression and anxiety by elevating the mood. With all of these benefits in mind, laughter really is the best medicine anyone could ask for.

What's laughter yoga?

Laughter yoga is a fun exercise program that uses laughter as its main source of physical activity (Berk, 2011). "It starts with controlled breathing which involves taking deep breaths in and out to build up enough oxygen for 30 seconds of laughing" (2011, p88). Once you start to feel the effects of the endorphins released by your brain and hear other people laughing too, it becomes contagious and before you know it everyone is laughing. This method has been found to produce many positive side effects such as increased immune function, reduced anxiety, and depression just to name a few benefits. The American Association for Therapeutic Humor conducted a study that showed during times of stress one session of laughter yoga helped reduce stress levels (2011, p88).

Dr. Berk wrote The Healing Power of Laughter

Dr. Berk wrote The Healing Power of Laughter which was first published in 2011. Based on the research he conducted over the years to prove how beneficial laughter can be to your health. He describes the benefits of different kinds of laughter. Including the positive effects, it has on respiration, brain function, pain tolerance, and immunity. Just to name a few. According to Dr. Berk's book, you will have many reasons to laugh throughout each day. Especially being grateful for all that life has to offer instead of focusing on what you do not have. Because it is easy for one's perspective. To change if they simply look at things from a different point of view.

There are no health risks associated with laughter

So there are many reasons why laughter is the best medicine and you can do it at home for free. This means there are no health risks associated with laughter. Which makes this alternative treatment great for everyone regardless of age or gender. So next time you feel stressed, depressed, or just need an energy boost, look towards laughter. As your remedy because it really is good for the body, mind, and soul.

Can laughter help with mental illness?

Yes, laughter is known to improve and treat mental illness. For example, laughter can help with:

- anxiety and depression

- bipolar disorder

- psychosis

- schizophrenia

...and many more conditions! To read why laughter can help with various mental illnesses, click here! And if you would like to know about the benefits of laughter on stress levels as well as how it can be used as a self-care tool, click here ! If you'd like to learn about the history of laughter therapy, continue reading this article! Laughter has been proven to benefit those who endure life's challenges including natural disasters. According to an article published by the American Psychological Association . " The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million people died from laughter in the 20th century. We may not have to worry about laughter being outlawed any time soon. But it is true that laughter has been found to have a number of benefits for the body and mind. Including reducing stress and anxiety.

Benefits of Laughter

Lastly, it's important to remember that anything can be beneficial when used correctly. For example, even though laughing can lead to positive effects. On your mental health, not everything you find funny will improve your life. Also if someone around you is uncomfortable with the things you laugh at. Or triggers certain thoughts in your brain there are ways to deal with those situations responsibly. The key component in this situation is communication. Because it can help you understand your surroundings better and it can also help others understand where you're coming from.

Laughter has been found to be helpful in numerous ways. Such as increasing the production of immune cells known as T-cells. T-cells that fight off infection or illness. Also according to an article published by PubMed Central, laughter may stimulate the release of neuropeptides. Such as endorphins and serotonin. This is why laughter can produce a general feeling of happiness and well-being. Laughter therapy is even used in some hospitals around the world to help patients cope with pain and anxiety. Before surgery or simply just improve their overall mood. So if laughter really is good for everyone regardless of gender, age and condition then what's stopping people? The answer: nothing